It's Hearth's Warming Eve, and Marble Pie and her family are visiting the Apples in Ponyville. But Marble finds herself in for one terrible surprise. Not that she wasn't expecting it.

A long time ago, a yak was sent out by his leader on a quest to search for the best gift ever. After days of traveling and experiencing nothing but snowstorms, he's tired beyond belief, muscles sore and each step a pound heavier to take. When all seemed lost, he saw a lodge in the distance. With every ounce of his strength, he reached the lonely house, hoping that an ordinary caretaker would bring him in and help him in his adventure.

However, what he found was no ordinary caretaker; instead, what he found was more than he bargained for.

Thanks to Azure Drache for this story's brainstorming sessions.

As the silent of the Pie sisters, Marble writes all her thoughts in a journal including how crushed she is that Big Mac is dating Sugar Belle and not her. She then shows it to Pinkie because she knows her twin, Limestone won't understand and neither will Maud.

Vector Art by GameMasterLuna

After a brief glimpse of happiness, of thinking that perhaps she had found one who understood her pain and loneliness, Marble Pie now feels that she has lost everything.

It will take some wisdom from an unexpected source to set her right.
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Warning! Spoilers for The Best Gift Ever ahead!
SPOILERS!
SPOILERS!!
SPOILERS!!!

You were warned.

Written because I really like Sugar Belle, and think she’s good for Big Mac. . . But come on, we all adore Marble, and really now, who didn’t feel their heart break when they saw that look on her face?

'Twas the night before Hearthswarming,
When all through the house,
Two creatures were stirring - neither a mouse.

As the Pies settle into the Apple family home for Hearthswarming, there are two ponies who cannot share in the joy and contentment of time spent with relations.

Contains minor spoilers for series 9, episode 0 The Best Gift Ever.